According to the Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey, food service and sale businesses are among the most energy cost burdened small businesses, consuming three times more electricity than the commercial average. This high energy use coupled with high operational costs make it even harder to replace equipment. In a pilot of this program in 2019, PACE found equipment manufactured in 1950 still in use! The PACE Restaurant and Grocery Equipment Grant helps small, locally owned food service businesses in Boulder County replace inefficient commercial restaurant and grocery equipment with brand new energy efficient models.
There are several substantial benefits to upgrading equipment. Some benefits include:
- Saves money on energy bills
- More reliable equipment
- Less maintenance
- Improved aesthetics
- Improved workplace comfort
- Safer food handling temperatures/decreased health risks
- Reduction in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions
While there are many benefits to replacing inefficient equipment, PACE understands there are also many barriers, including:
- Cost
- Selecting the correct equipment
- Time-including finding, vetting, and working with a vendor
- Logistics of installing new equipment
- Removal and proper disposal of old equipment
Through the Restaurant and Grocery Equipment Grant, PACE helps businesses remove barriers and provide an opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of new, efficie
nt equipment while contributing to your business’ and the community’s sustainability goals.
What is included in the grant?
Through a competitive process, PACE negotiated discount pricing with Tundra Restaurant Supply, a local vendor, to equip eligible participants with ENERGY STAR certified restaurant and grocery equipment. The grant will cover up to 70% of the costs upfront. Additionally, PACE is covering up to 100% of costs associated with delivery and installation of new equipment as well as proper disposal of old equipment.
*Existing equipment must be manufactured in 2005 or earlier to qualify for a grant.
As part of the Restaurant and Grocery Equipment Grant, PACE will also assist your business with upgrading additional building equipment, including lighting. We will also identify opportunities for water conservation and waste reduction.
What types of equipment are included in the grant?
Existing equipment must be manufactured in 2005 or earlier. Please let us know if your equipment is currently not working and we will do our best to prioritize your application. New equipment must be powered by electricity (not natural gas). The following equipment types are included in the grant:
- Refrigerator units with doors
- Freezer units with doors
- Merchandisers
- Dishwashers
- Ice machines
- Lighting (T12 fluorescent or incandescent only, the age of the equipment does not matter)
If you have equipment that falls outside the above and you would like your project to be considered for the grant, please fill out the exception section of the interest form.